As Mr. Diabaté’s Las Vegas fantasy recedes from Carol’s (Rhea Seehorn) memory, Pluribus delves into the raw realities of life experienced in isolation. It’s a gripping exploration that speaks to anyone who has felt the weight of solitude.
In this episode, two parallel journeys unfold: Carol and the enigmatic Manousos (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) navigate their isolation. Through their stubbornness and resilience, they reveal a universal truth: no one can truly be an island.
Carol’s story arc captures her declining mental well-being during weeks spent utterly alone, providing a stark contrast to Manousos’ physical journey as he drives northward from Paraguay towards Albuquerque.
The episode kicks off with Carol driving away from Las Vegas. Her spirits are unexpectedly buoyant, bolstered by the previous revelation that the Others can’t intervene in her life without consent. It’s almost as if she feels free, humming along to REM’s “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine).”
In her moment of clarity, she dials the Others’ “need some space” hotline multiple times—requesting ice-cold Gatorade and an absurd amount of fireworks. A scratch-off lottery ticket grants her a $10,000 win, though she can never collect the prize, leaving her basking in the feeling of luck.
Days into her isolation, we witness Carol singing and playing golf solo. Her antics—setting off fireworks and humming tunes—transform her mundane existence into an unexpected adventure. But when her cop car dies, she makes a creative choice, opting for a “Just Married” Rolls-Royce, and heads to a hot spring while crooning nostalgic hits.
Next, she visits Santa Fe’s Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. It’s an eerily vacant space, perfect for her to snag a priceless artwork and swap it for a poster version back home—a moment that’s half absurd, half poignant.
Hungry for more, Carol calls the hotline for a fancy dinner, relishing in her solitary setting while selecting “I Will Survive” on the piano. For now, it seems she is surviving.
Meanwhile, Manousos embarks on his own challenging trek. Despite differences in geography, there’s an uncanny resemblance in their defiance. As he travels, he’s subjected to unwanted but cheerful greetings from the Others who want him to embrace happiness.
Equipped with language cassettes, Manousos learns English to eventually communicate with Carol. His trail leads him to the Darién Gap, where perilous conditions await. Here, his defiance peaks, declaring, “Nothing on this planet is yours,” while setting his car ablaze.
Manousos continues his quest through a treacherous landscape, repeating the mantra he plans to tell Carol: “I wish to save the world.” However, he suffers severe injuries after a spike-laden encounter, calling out for Carol as he falls, just as a helicopter circles overhead to rescue him.
Back in Albuquerque, it’s now 48 days since the Joining, and Carol’s solitude has spiraled. While hitting golf balls off rooftops, her earlier spirits fade as she unleashes frustration through destructive behavior, embodying a morose acceptance of her fate.
After a bid to extinguish a neighbor’s burning house, she resorts to desperate measures, painting a clear message on the pavement urging the Others to “COME BACK.”
In a touching moment, Zosia (Karolina Wydra), now recovered, arrives, and they share a heartfelt reunion. It leaves us wondering—will Carol’s enforced solitude alter her approach towards the Others, or will she revert to her rebellious tendencies?
As we anticipate the remaining two episodes of Pluribus, we hold hope for Manousos’ recovery and his arrival in New Mexico. What melodies could accompany his journey?
New episodes of Pluribus air every Friday on Apple TV.
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What themes are explored in Pluribus? The show dives deep into the psyche of isolation, revealing how loneliness can shape our lives and relationships. Carol and Manousos, despite their different paths, show that connection is essential.
How do Carol and Manousos reflect on their isolation? Both characters confront their realities in unique ways, showcasing resilience while highlighting the inherent need for companionship, even when they resist it.
What can viewers learn from Carol’s actions? Her journey illustrates the lengths one might go to in the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment, even amidst chaos. Sometimes acceptance of help is the first step towards healing.
Will isolation shift Carol’s perspective? As she grapples with her solitude, it’s likely that her attitude toward the Others may undergo a transformation, impacting her choices moving forward.
As you explore the complex themes in Pluribus, consider how they resonate with your own experiences. For more insights and related content, visit Moyens I/O.